community comm unity review www.jewishharrisburg.org
November 6, 2020 | Cheshvan 19, 5779 | Vol. 94, No. 21 Published by The Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg | Greater Harrisburg’s Jewish Newspaper
PROGRAMS ABOUND IN HARRISBURG DURING
JEWISH BOOK MONTH BY ADAM GROBMAN
W
ith temperatures cooling and COVID cases rising, many of us may find ourselves back at home more often through the month of November. Luckily, Jewish Book Month is here, giving community members a chance to cozy up with a relevant book in their living rooms and get lost in an inspiring story or mysterious thriller. Several area institutions are hosting and promoting book and author programs this month – there is something for everyone to choose from and plenty of opportunities to find that next great read! Beth El Book Club’s Zoom with Authors Series OCTOBER 2020 – JULY 2021 Beth El Book Club has gone virtual for 2020-2021, with ongoing programming bringing authors and book discussions straight to your living room free of charge. The Zoom with Authors series was organized by Beth El Book Club co-chairs Susan Cohen and Marcia Cohen and began in October with a conversation with Alina Adams, author of The Nesting Dolls. “We wanted to design a series that would encompass Jewish interests and variety,” says Susan Cohen. “Books bring people together and at this particular time, a virtual series is the perfect resource for doing that.” Both co-chairs note how much their attendees enjoy hearing the author’s thoughts on their own work. “We always learn so much from each author,” says Marcia Cohen. “It is so interesting to hear how they came up with the idea for the book, their writing process, and how they turned the idea that popped into their head into a full length novel or book.”
“For the past twenty-two years, the Ohev Sholom Sisterhood, with the generosity of the Symons-Rose families, has been providing the Harrisburg Jewish community with highly acclaimed books and authors every November to coincide with Jewish Book Month,” says Irith Harpster, one of the organizers of the program. “We have 90 participants signed up for the event this year and it is unlike any other year we’ve had.” Typically, the program takes place during the first week of November and includes a cocktail hour, elaborate dinner, author’s lecture, dessert reception, and the chance to meet the author and have books signed. This year’s, the program has gone online with no charge to participants.
Beth El is a member of the Jewish Book Council (organizer of Jewish Book Month), which provides access to hundreds of new books covering Jewish topics or by Jewish authors each year. Events are free and open to the community. Honorable mention to the November 4th program featuring Anita Abriel, author of The Light After the War. Upcoming program on Tuesday, December 1st will feature Nessa Rapoport, author of Evening. The ten-month series continues (usually) on the first Tuesday of each month through July. To register for a program, contact Patty at patty@bethelhbg.org or 717-232-0556. Rose – Symons Book Review: The Third Daughter with Talia Carner THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | 8PM | ZOOM Note: This program will take place prior to this edition’s print date Temple Ohev Sholom Sisterhood brings together community members to hear from acclaimed author and social justice activist Talia Carner at this year’s Annual Book Review sponsored by the Symons/Rose families.
Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster’s Writers in Residences* (*Theirs and Ours) Series SEPTEMBER 2020 – APRIL 2021 SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | 7PM The Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster’s Writers in Residences* (*Theirs and Ours) series brings scholars, authors, and community members together to discuss books of interest to the Jewish community via Zoom. The next event in the series takes place on Sunday, November 8 at 7pm and features founding director and senior scholar of The Witness Institute Ariel Burger, discussing his book Witness, Lessons From Elie Wiesel’s Classroom. For registration and more info on the ongoing series, visit jcalancaster.org/jcal-programs.html. Congregation Beth Israel (Lebanon) Book Review: How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 | 7:30PM Congregation Beth Israel’s book club meets the third Wednesday of each month to discuss and share thoughts on interesting pieces of literature. The next program will feature a discussion of 2019’s How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss. “Rabbi Sam Yolen suggested this book and will share his thoughts,” says Judith Clark, book club chair. “It is especially important at this time due to increasing episodes of antiSemitism in the world, including QAnon influence.” To register for the virtual program, email Judith at Judithjoclark@comcast.net. Continued on page 4
Message from the CEO BY JENNIFER ROSS
A
s I’m writing this column, my hopes and prayers are that our community is doing well following a challenging election and we can heal and come together regardless of the results. One of my current reads which I highly recommend is Jonathan Haidt’s The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. It was written in 2012 and is incredibly relevant now. One of his chapters delves into the moral foundations theory and explains how liberals and conservatives both value morality but each focus on different aspects. It is a helpful reminder that our friends, neighbors, and family may have different perspectives and interpretations on current events, but can still respect one another. I have found it therapeutic to be able to return to working out of my office full time at the JCC. I have many opportunities to (re)connect with our community. Our virtual programming has enabled me to stay in touch and “see” many of you since March and I continue to connect with many of you that way. Having more physically distant face-to-face interaction with our team and members and knowing that the Brenner Family Early Learning Center, the JCC Fitness Center, some youth recreation programming, and The Silver Academy are building community daily at the J warms my heart. We also were able to relaunch the Kosher Meal distribution for children on October 18 and it is wonderful to connect with families as they drive through for their pick-ups.
CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES NOV 6 » 4:40PM NOV 13 » 4:34PM NOV 20 » 4:29PM
I hope you are finding community virtually and/or in person at the J and in other ways. Please let me know if you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions. I can be reached at 717-236-9555 x 3104 or j.ross@jewishfedhbg.org. I want to extend a warm welcome publicly to colleague Steven Schauder, JFS’s executive director who we featured in an earlier edition of Community Review. I am already thoroughly enjoying working with him via Zoom, phone, and email. Congratulations to Barry Stein on his retirement and thank you to him for all of his accomplishments. Our joint work on numerous programs and initiatives to enhance mental health, support those struggling with addiction, and destigmatizing both, were incredibly meaningful to me. I look forward to my continued work on these important initiatives building community with Steven. Thank you to all of our Veterans for your service. Though we officially celebrate you on November 11, I appreciate and value your dedication to our country and its citizens every day of the year. We would not be able to build community without your work protecting us as a nation and a democracy. I would like to extend this prayer that was included in a JWB Jewish Chaplains Council guide: Ribbono Shel Olam! Sovereign of the Universe! We invoke your blessings upon the members of our American armed forces, those brave men and women whose courage and commitment to our country protects us all. Whether by air, land, or sea, wherever their orders take them, we ask, dear God, that they be protected within your sheltering Presence. Shield them from harm and from pain, assuage their loneliness, and sustain their faith in the face of the formidable enemies that they confront on a daily basis. May all of their efforts be crowned with victory, and the assurance that we who depend on their courage appreciate and understand the great difficulty of their work. Most of all, we pray what for all soldiers is the ultimate prayer— that they be privileged to return to the loving arms of their families and a grateful country safely, speedily, and in good health. Because of their courage, may we all be privileged to know and savor the blessings of true peace and security. Amen.
Community Review Vol. 94, No. 21 November 6, 2020 (ISSN 1047-9996) (USPS 126-860) Published bi-weekly by the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17110. Subscription rate: $50 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Harrisburg, PA, and additional entry office. President/CEO Jennifer Ross Editorial Board Members Roberta Krieger Rabbi Carl Choper Rita Gordon Jeanette Krebs Jennifer Ross STAFF Editor Adam Grobman a.grobman@jewishfedhbg.org Sales Director Ayelet Shanken 717-409-8222 a.shanken@jewishfedhbg.org Design and Layout Lisette Magaro Designs Graphic Designer Lisette Magaro Postmaster: Send address changes to Community Review, 3301 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, Pa., 17110.
Inside This Issue Staff Book Picks................................................................... Pg. 3 Adoption ............................................................................. Pg. 4 Korsunsky Scholarship....................................................... Pg. 9
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Mission Statement of The Community Review: Inform readers about local, national and international events of interest to Jews. Promote Jewish values, Jewish identity and a sense of Jewish community in central Pennsylvania.
The opinions expressed in the Community Review do not necessarily reflect the position of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. The Federation does not endorse any candidate or political party for any elected office.
Staff Picks: Federation JCC Pros Share Their Favorite Reads In honor of Jewish Book Month, we asked some of the staff at the Federation/JCC to fill us in on what they have been reading this year. Read below to hear from our team and find your next great read! SANDY BRETZ, FRONT DESK TEAM Where the Crawdads Sing Author: Delia Owens I enjoyed a book loaned to me by Susan Leviton, titled Where The Crawdads Sing. It was written beautifully by Delia Owens. What I liked most about this book was the suspense that surrounds the entirety of the character Kya. Kya is a very strange character in the sense that she is very untidy and has committed a really bad crime. That’s all I will say regarding that. Overall the book is great. I could actually relate to some of Kya’s experiences. It is almost like an eye opening adventure into her life. I would also like to recommend a book that I never quite finished, titled Eli’s Promise by Ron Balson. I started reading the book and finishing it is on my to-do list for the New Year! MARKJOSEPH KASIAN, AQUATICS MANAGER Is This Anything Author: Jerry Seinfeld In these times of unknown and unfamiliar territory it is very important to have a laugh. In reading this book it provided me with humor and joy. Jerry Seinfeld has always been a favorite comedian of mine so when I saw that he had a new book out this year I knew I had to read it. Lucky for me my mom and dad bought it for me! I read it in two days, and felt like I laughed for five days.
LORI RUBIN, ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me: A Memoir Author: Jason B. Rosenthal One fun book I read over quarantine was My Wife Said You May Want to Marry Me: A Memoir by Jason B. Rosenthal. The memoir was written after his wife, children's author Amy Krouse Rosenthal penned a note entitled "You May Want to Marry My Husband" in the New York Times Modern Love column. During the pandemic, I have found myself to be very reflective and this book reminded me to enjoy today. As we navigate the unknown, practicing gratitude and appreciation are an integral part of my daily life. I hope this continues way into the future. CHERYL YABLON, SENIOR ADULT DIRECTOR Inside the Jewish Bakery Author: Stanley Ginsberg and Norman Berg I read Cookbooks like novels. One of my favorite baking books is Inside The Jewish Bakery by Stanley Ginsberg and Norman Berg. I love this book because it brought back memories of going to Jewish bakeries as a child, and all the wonderful “from scratch” delectable delights that one could get at the local bakery shop. My husband got me this book for Chanukah in 2011 in the hopes that I would make his father’s favorite Russian Coffee Cake. This was the ultimate indulgence to many that grew up in postwar Jewish neighborhoods. The recipe took a lot of time, but it was absolutely worth every second!
SOPHIE KASIAN, BRENNER FAMILY ELC TEACHER The DoveKeepers Author: Alice Hoffman One of my favorite authors of all time is Alice Hoffman. What I love about Hoffman is that she always puts a bit of herself into her books. “All the characters in my books are imagined, but all have a bit of who I am in them - much like the characters in your dreams are all formed by who you are,” she says. I have read a handful of her books from “Aquamarine” to “Practical Magic” but one that always stuck with me is The DoveKeepers. This is an historical novel that is set during and after the fall of Jerusalem that follows the lives of four extraordinary women. Alice created this book after doing copious amounts of research from the historian Josephus and her own experience visiting Masada. Historically, we know the fate of what happened at Masada- but Hoffman creates a book that will have you on the edge of your seat, totally invested in the lives of these strong complex female characters. JENN ROSS, PRESIDENT/CEO Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family Author: Mitch Albom My favorite recent book was Finding Chika: A Little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family by Mitch Albom. Although it was painful knowing from the beginning that Chika had already passed away, Albom recounted most of the story through her voice as a recurring imagined visitor allowing her to live on through him and the book. I cried multiple times throughout my reading and also during his amazing talk at a fundraiser for JFS, yet my spirit was also uplifted by the boundless love of Mitch and his wife and by Chika’s incredible joy and resilience.
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In This Fall Season, Consider Older Child Adoption BY RACHEL KUHR, LCSW, DIRECTOR OF JFS ADOPTIONLINKS
N
ovember is National Adoption Month. This is my annual request for all of you to consider adoption. Let me tell you about Henry. He was thirteen and living in a group home and felt like he would never have a family again. His two older brothers were also in foster care, but they didn’t do well living together, as there was a lot of fighting, but he got to visit with them once a month, and saw how their families supported them. Henry also played on his school’s football team and one day his friend Justin asked him where he lived. When Justin found out that Henry lived in a group home, he went home and told his parents, “Henry needs to come live with us, he needs a family.” Justin’s parents reluctantly agreed to meet him, but thought, who needs a second teenager? Once they had met Henry and learned his story, in his own words, they began to see how much he needed and would benefit from a family. So, they became his foster parents. Then they adopted him. Then they helped him get ready for college and get admitted. Now they are helping him be a parent himself. All because Justin learned
what Henry already knew: everyone needs a family. They are still Henry’s family, and still guiding and supporting him, as a young adult. As family should. Think about this: At this moment, there is a teenager sitting in a group home or shelter because some people believe that kids this age don’t want or need parents
The teenagers in the foster care system are some of the most astute, well-spoken, introspective, and interesting people in our community today. They have worked hard to learn how to express their feelings in ways that don’t harm other people or themselves. They have often struggled in their middle-school years with anger
Many people interested in adopting from foster care want to bring home a younger child who will “need them longer.” Tell me, how long has it been since you talked to, Zoomed with, or asked your family for help? Is your mom or dad alive? If so, when did you last ask for advice? If they are gone, when did you last wish they were here to
THE TEENAGERS IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM ARE SOME OF THE MOST ASTUTE, WELL-SPOKEN, INTROSPECTIVE, AND INTERESTING PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY TODAY. anymore. Some believe you won’t have much influence on teens if you adopt them now, since they are set in their ways. There are also people who still believe that old adage, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and figure that this teen may be moving in the same direction as their parents, dropping out of school or using drugs or chronic mental illness. Some even believe that whatever you do, you cannot change this teenager’s life. I want to help change that belief for you.
and depression, not able to understand why their parents walked away from them or abused them. By adolescence, these same teens have come to recognize who is important to them and why. They have come to value siblings who may be with other families, or their extended family who cannot care for them, or the professionals who have stuck with them for the long haul. They may also finally recognize just why family is so important, now and in the future.
share something with you. I know when I was in my thirties and buying my first house, I had to track my parents down on vacation to make sure I was doing the right thing. So, we know parents are important throughout a lifetime. And so do these waiting teens. November in National Adoption Month. This is my annual plea. “If not now, when? If not you, who?” For more information about older child adoption, contact JFS at 717-233-1681 or visit the website at jfsofhbg.org.
Programs Abound in Harrisburg During Jewish Book Month Continued from page 1
Kesher Israel Saturday Night Programming: Educated by Tara Westover SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 | 7PM As the days get shorter and Shabbat ends earlier and earlier, Kesher Israel Congregation is beginning a series of Saturday night programs to help stave off cabin fever via Zoom. While some programs will focus on yoga and other wellness activities, the group will also be reviewing the book Educated, a memoir by Tara Westover that explores the author’s childhood and growing up in a Mormon survivalist family. “The book is outstanding, but it also resonates for this particular time,” says Jill Henig, one of the organizers of the program series. “Some of the things you read in this book are unbelievable. The book was ranked as one of the Top 10 Books of 2018 by the New York Times and the review will be led by Kesher Israel member Ella Shaked. For more info or registration, contact Jill at henigjp@gmail.com.
Book Festival of the MJCCA FALL/WINTER 2020 The Jewish Federation/JCC have teamed up with the JCC Literary Consortium to bring dozens of the most popular and talented authors working today to your screens. With authors like John Grisham, Michael Oren, and Michael J. Fox, you can hear straight from superstars and up-and-comers alike. “The Book Festival of the MJCCA is one of the most respected Jewish book festivals in the country,” says Jenn Ross, President/ CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. “We are excited to be able to share these stories from so many literary celebrities with our community members.” For more information on upcoming events, visit jewishharrisburg.org/bookfest2020.
PJ Library Teams up with Tot Shabbat ONGOING Last month, Harrisburg PJ Library teamed up with the York JCC to bring the Elliot and Sue Weinstein Tot Shabbat to the homes of children and families each Friday! Each week just prior to Shabbat, a team member from PJ Library or York JCC will share a video featuring a Jewish book from PJ Library and other fun activities. Harrisburg’s next video will be posted on Friday, November 6th and explore the theme of mitzvot. “Bringing families together to share experiences each week is a great way to connect to the larger Jewish community and mark each week with songs, stories, and activities,” says Lori Rubin, Director of Harrisburg PJ Library. “We are thrilled to be able to facilitate and bring new content to our community.” To watch the videos, follow PJ Library – Harrisburg, PA on Facebook.
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Virtually Limitless: Our Shared Shelf ONGOING Jewish Federation’s National Women’s Philanthropy is bringing together women from across North America to share and learn together throughout the coming months with its book-and-author series, Virtually Limitless: Our Shared Shelf. Open to all women donors to the Federation’s Annual Campaign, the next event will feature Michelle Cameron, author of Beyond the Ghetto Gates: A Novel on November 18 at 8pm. “This series from JFNA is designed to spark discussion and reflection among our Women’s Philanthropy members,” says Amanda Kohn, Director of Development at Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg. “There is a lot of inspiration to be found here.” For more information on registering for this series, contact Amanda at a.kohn@jewishfedhbg.org.
Mitzvah Day Bingo See how many of these creative ideas you can do with your family! Visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/mitzvahday2020 for resources
Donate food to JFS Food Pantry
Make a care kit Create cards for Write a thank for people who kids who are in the you note to your teacher are homeless hospital
Make a Chanukah card for a Jewish Home resident
Upcycle t-shirts to toys for local animal centres
Pick out a face mask for a friend or relative
Draw a picture to brighten someone's day
Make a no-sew Call someone you know who lives fleece scarf for Donate toys you alone to wish them someone who is Shabbat Shalom no longer use homeless
Plant a tree and care for it
Help cook a meal for friends or family in need
Do something nice for someone in your family
Make a challah cover for Shabbat
Make a bird feeder
Write a poem for someone living alone
Bake challah for someone
Upcycle t-shirts to make tote bags
Create a card for Lone Soldiers in Israel
Send a letter to someone you haven't seen in a while
Organize a trash pick
Create a video Read PJ Library Help a neighbor for Jewish Home mitzvah- themed with their residents stories shopping
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NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | 5
Help Ensure Never Again Means Never Again The Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania received an anonymous gift of $250,000 plus many additional gifts toward building the Never Again Holocaust Education Fund. The Fund will support initiatives in line with PA’s Act 70 (PA Commonwealth schools are encouraged to teach Holocaust, genocide and human rights utilizing criteria in the Act). As a component fund of the Foundation, donors are assured that their gifts will be used as intended. A committee including Foundation Board Member Elliott Weinstein as Chair; Linda Schwab, Holocaust Survivor; Hank Butler, Executive Director of the PA Jewish Coalition; Arthur Hoffman; Dani Fessler, former York JCC Director; Debbie Kravitz; Josh Millman, our past Foundation Chair; Jerry Morrison, past Foundation Chair along with potential others, and with the guidance of the Foundation, will oversee the distribution of grants from the Never Again Holocaust Education Fund. The committee will ensure that grants are used to support initiatives consistent with PA Act 70 which is the intent of the Fund. Elliott & Sue Weinstein
The initiative will offer support to teachers and students to enhance and upgrade instruction of vital difficult subjects in our Commonwealth’s 775 schools, 501 districts, and 67 counties. It will also build a national model. The first set of free learning resources to assist teachers and parents with virtual education along with home schooling was rolled out in March. Free access to ready-to-use individual learning activities for students in fifth grade and older (ages 10 and up) is available.
“This initiative will transform the instruction of topics such as the Holocaust and bigotry in schools throughout Pennsylvania and, in time, around the country,” said Weinstein, who has been instrumental in leading the initiative.
President Trump recently signed the Never Again Education Act into law. Under the auspices of the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, DC, this federal law provides $10 million over five years for Holocaust education. With anti-Semitism at levels not seen since the Shoah, these initiatives are critical.
“The Penn State Initiative and Pennsylvania stand to take a national lead with its synergy of a state legislature, state Department of Education, and the major state university as a model for all 50 states,” Weinstein said. With the Never Again Holocaust Education Fund at the Jewish Community Foundation, we will ensure that our financial investments will be used as we intend.
“Imagine the impact of this exciting collaboration,” said JCF Executive Director Paulette Keifer. “Using lessons of the Holocaust—how bigotry led to the attempt to eliminate a people — we will equip educators with tools to inspire humanity. Imagine seeing that impact — when never again means never again for anyone.” Offering Pennsylvania K-12 teachers free professional development, the State College Campus of Penn State and the pending Harrisburg Penn State Campus Initiatives seek to pioneer a new approach to difficult-topic instruction that incorporates the latest research and best practices.
With our first major gift, and many new gifts we’re in a stronger position to help support this initiative to provide valuable Holocaust Education resources to teachers and their students to utilize lessons of the Holocaust to ensure never again means never again for anyone. Thanks to our donors we will educate students to become critical thinkers and agents of positive change.
If not us then who? If not now then when? During these challenging times, our thoughts are with you. We extend best wishes to you and your family for good health and safety. We are all in this together. May G-d bless you and protect you. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you feel we can be helpful to you.
The Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative at State College’s Penn State University will be a beneficiary of grants. Penn State developed the Initiative with the PA Department of Education, the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, and the Shoah Foundation at the University of Southern California along with local Jews. Together they created a curriculum that will provide educators with tools to tackle these difficult topics in their schools.
Please join us in supporting the Never Again Holocaust Education Fund or other critical funds and initiatives of the Jewish Community Foundation of Central PA. Contact us via mail at 3211 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110 or at our website www.pajewishendowment.org. To discuss this fund, or any of our many initiatives at the Foundation, please contact Paulette Keifer, Executive Director at 904-307-2413 or via email at paulette.keifer@pajewishendowment.org.
Call the Jewish Community Foundation to discuss what is in your heart and how you can leave a legacy to causes that are important to you! Contact Rebecca Robinson at (484) 269-6732 or email her at rebecca@pajewishendowment.org
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ORDER YOUR 2021 MAH JONGG CARDS
While You’re Away... Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg Snowbird Winter Change of Address Form
Today
Get your winter news from home while you’re in a warmer climate. Let us know where to send Community Review and mail with the form below Name: Permanent Address:
Winter Address:
Phone: _________________________
I WILL BE PURCHASING THE CARDS ON FEBRUARY 4, 2021!
Winter Phone: ____________________
The Harrisburg JCC Senior Adult Club is once again selling the National Mah Jongg League’s card for 2021.
Email: __________________________ We’re Leaving (date): ______________
Forward the Community Review only
We’re Back (date): ________________
Forward all Federation mail
The price of the 2021 card is $9.00 for a standard card and $10.00 for a large print card.
Please return this completed form to: Beth Romano, Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg, 3301 N Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 or email at b.romano@jewishfedhbg.org or call 717-236-9555 ext. 3204
Please make your checks payable to the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg (JFGH), write Mah Jongg cards in the Memo and mail them by January 21, 2021 to:
Usage Continues to Increase in JCC Fitness Department
Cheryl Yablon Harrisburg JCC 3301 N. Front St. Harrisburg, PA 17110
BY TERRI TRAVERS
C
OVID has caused many businesses to feel a hard hit, but one area that has particularly felt the struggle is the fitness industry and the JCC is no different. While COVID allowed for the JCC to create a virtual presence, many have missed being able to work out amongst their friends. While we are not yet back to normal, we are happy to see utilization of the department increasing. The indoor pool has consistently been a draw for members. In the past month, swim lessons and preseason swim team have also hit the pool. The fitness center is slowly seeing
an increase in daily visits. We are now up to 6 in-person fitness classes each week with the recent addition of an evening yoga class and hope to continue to grow these offerings. Marty Brill, a JCC Fitness Center regular, says that he is happy to have returned to performing his workout at the JCC. “I had gotten used to lifting weights in my basement every other day, yet I missed working out with my friends – complaining and commiserating about our workouts together,” he says. “Now, I am out of the basement and seeing friends again as they return to the JCC
I will be paying for ONLY the number of cards ordered and paid for! The Mah Jongg League will mail your card to you in the spring.
– I made the right decision and it really was not that difficult!” Working out with a mask takes an adjustment but the benefit of being around your friends for your workout has been a true benefit to many. The fitness department is proud to offer both virtual and in person options as we continue to provide a fitness option for every member. We can’t wait to see you back at the J. If you have any fitness questions please feel free to reach out to me at t.travers@jewishfedhbg.org.
www.jewishharrisburg.org
Thank you, Cheryl |
NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | 7
Invest in the future of students at our community’s educational institutions and receive a 90% state tax credit through EITC. Did you know that you can drive development, exploration, and learning through your state tax dollars? Through the EITC program, your tax dollars are turned into scholarships for students at Brenner Family Early Learning Center and The Silver Academy, allowing you to have 10x more impact dollar-for-dollar than a traditional donation. To learn how you can invest in our community’s future through EITC, contact Kimberlea Konowitch at kkonowitch@ silveracademypa.org or Amanda Kohn at a.kohn@jewishfedhbg.org.
MARK YOUR
CALENDARS Please check our website, www.jewishharrisburg.org for updates related to our re-opening. November 2020 Thursday, November 26 Friday, November 27 December 2020 Friday, December 25 January 2021 Friday, January 1
Thanksgiving Day ** Day After/Black Friday – JCC Open/Federation Offices closed Christmas Day ** New Year’s Day **
**indicates that the JCC is closed
Registration & Details at www.jewishharrisburg.org/solomonov
For a full list of community activities, please visit jewishharrisburg.org and click on the Community Calendar.
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Roman Korsunsky Memorial Scholarship Opportunity
Criteria: Jewish Students Undergrad
Da
Residency: Preferably Dauphin County, PA O
Preferably applicants to Lehigh University Engineering Program – others will be
IN HIS MEMORY…
considered
ON DECEMBER 10TH, THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROMAN’S PASSING, HIS PARENTS, ZHANNA AND IOSIF, ALONG WITH HIS SISTER MASHA AND HER HUSBAND DAVID, REQUEST THAT YOU TOO REMEMBER ROMAN AND CELEBRATE HIS LIFE!
Needs and Academic Based
On November 23, Roman would have celebrated his 56th birthday. A Scholarship Fund was created in his memory to honor his achievements and provide educational opportunities to others. Apply today. Contact the Jewish Community Foundation of Central Pennsylvania at 1-717-409-8220 or 904-307-2413 for questions, details and to request an application. Or visit pajewishendowment.org.
JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA 3211 N Front Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 pajewishendowment.org 1-717-409-8220
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NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | 9
Synagogue Life Beth El Temple 2637 N Front St (717) 232-0556 | www.bethelhbg.org
Congregation Beth Israel, Lebanon 411 S 8th St, (717) 273-2669 www.congregation-beth-israel.org
Beth El Temple is keeping its membership engaged through a variety of virtual initiatives including daily minyanim, Shabbat and holiday services, Gesher adult and youth Education, and a monthly Jewish author series.
Congregation Beth Israel is hosting virtual services. You can view services on their Vimeo page.
For more information, visit Beth El's website. Chisuk Emuna Congregation 3219 Green St, (717) 232-4851 info@chisukemuna.org | www. chisukemuna.org Chisuk Emuna activities are taking place remotely via the video conferencing app, Zoom, until further notice. Chisuk Emuna is reaching out to members and friends to assist those in need during the COVID-19 Crisis. If you need help or would like to volunteer to help, please contact Rabbi Ron Muroff at rabbi@chisukemuna.org For more information and links to participate in programming, visit Chisuk Emuna's website.
Contact Rabbi Sam Yolen at yolen002@ gmail.com for details on both programming and minyan. For more information, visit Beth Israel's website. Congregation Beth Tikvah, Carlisle Asbell Center, 262 W High St, (717)-240-8627 | www.bethtikvah.org Historic B’nai Jacob, Middletown Water & Nissley Streets, (717) 319-3014 | www.bnai-jacob.org Historic B’nai Jacob Synagogue, located at Water and Nissley Streets in Middletown, near the Harrisburg International Airport and Penn State-Harrisburg, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will have its annual Shabbos Service Honoring
Veterans on Friday, November 6, 2020, starting at 7:30pm. During this service, participating veterans and family members are encouraged to talk about their time in the service of our country and coming back home. Marc Bluestein will be leading the services using ZOOM. Connection information and program materials will be provided by email to the Congregation and also can be requested by using the contact form on our Shul website: http://www.bnaijacob.org. We are a community Shul and you are welcome to join us. There are no membership dues or admission fees. There will be no in-person services at the Shul for the rest of 2020. Kesher Israel Congregation 2500 N 3rd St, (717) 238-0763 | www.kesherisrael.org For details about meetings and programming, contact Rabbi Elisha Friedman at rabbielishafriedman@gmail.com.
York’s 140-year-old Reform congregation. Temple Beth Shalom 913 Allendale Rd, Mechanicsburg (717) 697-2662 | www.tbshalom.org Virtual Shabbat services will be held on November 6 and 20, and December 4 and 18. Services are led by Rabbi Carl Choper of Beth Shalom. Please email the office at tbshalom@gmail.com or call 717-6972662 for information if you would like to join the services. For details on upcoming Temple Beth Shalom services and events, check the website: http://tbshalom.org. Temple Ohev Sholom 2345 N Front St, (717) 233-6459 www.ohevsholom.org
For more information, visit Kesher Israel's website. Ohev Sholom Congregation, York 2090 Hollywood Drive 717-852-0000 | www.OhevSholomYork.org
Office (717) 731-1990 x 3003 Cell (717) 514 - 9469 Fax (717) 731- 8765
Temple Beth Israel 2090 Hollywood Dr, York (717) 843-2676 | www.tbiyork.org
Ohev Sholom Congregation is a Conservative congregation serving York County in an inclusive, egalitarian manner. Established in 1902, the congregation is led by our student rabbi in association with our lay leadership. Ohev Sholom provides adult educational opportunities in conjunction with our local Chabad Learning Center while embracing different levels of observance, stages of life, and family structures.
Please save the date for Temple Ohev Sholom’s Symons/Rose Book Review event with prize-winning author Talia Carner on Thursday, Nov. 5th; Carner will discuss her book, The Third Daughter, via Zoom with attendees (books may be purchased on Amazon or Barnes & Noble; more details to come soon). As part of Ohev Sholom’s adjustment to Covid-19, a new pre-recorded Shabbat service is posted to Ohev Sholom’s Youtube channel and Facebook page every Friday (links are at bottom of home page, ohevsholom.org).
JCC Senior Adult Programs All in-person Senior Adult Club programming except the Senior Artist in Residency, is cancelled until further notice.
The AARP Smart Driver online course is available through December 31, 2020 with a 25% discount using the following website and promo code. Website: www.aarpdriversafety.org Promo code : DRIVINGSKILLS
10 | COMMUNITY REVIEW | greater harrisburg’s jewish newspaper
The Jewish Federation is hosting virtual programming for seniors and the community – visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/virtualprogramming for a schedule of events.
Obituaries JEANETTE LAMPEL
Jeanette Lampel passed peacefully on October 16, 2020 in Avon CT. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, married Neil Lampel in 1949, and spent 30 years in Wayne, NJ before moving to Avon. Jeanette was active in Temple Beth Tikvah in Wayne and was also involved with local politics in Wayne. She is survived by her two sons Keith (Sheila) and Jay, four grandchildren, Josh (Erin), Jamie (Anthony), Avi and Noah, and three great grandchildren, Corduroy, Sophie, and Darcy. Donations can be made to Hadassah and Season's Hospice.
RICHARD BLASSBERG
S. Richard Blassberg of New Fairfield, CT formerly of Brewster, NY, died peacefully on Wednesday September 23, 2020. Richard was born on January 13, 1941 in Bronx, NY son of the late Joseph and Sylvia (Marsey) Blassberg. He graduated from Hicksville High School, Adelphi College receiving his bachelors and continuing his education at Pace receiving his Doctorate. Richard was the founder and operator of Blassberg Veterans Care Home in Brewster, NY from 1968- 1986. Richard was a trainer, driver, and owner for Harness Horse Racing from 1975-1992. He was the founder and editor of Westchester Guardian Newspaper from 2006-2010. Richard was also an advocate for the wrongfully convicted and exonerated and author of The Jeanine Machine. He was a member of the Brewster School board and the Zoning board of the Town of Southeast. Richard is survived by many dear friends and family members including; his children; Deborah Blassberg, Robert Blassberg and his wife Kristi and Richard A. Blassberg and his wife Heather, his sister Arlene Rose, his significant other Eileen Polintan, her children; Francis, Kevin, and Corey Polintan and the mother of his 3 children; Veronica Blassberg, his grandchildren; Robin, Spencer, Griffin, and Anthony, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Barbara Gross, and his brother-in-laws Raymond Gross and Clinton Rose. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A graveside service was held at Old Southeast Cemetery, Route 22, Brewster, NY.
SHERRY SILVERMAN ROYALL
Sherry Silverman Royall, 63, of Lakeland, Fl, passed away peacefully Friday, October 9 at the Moffit Cancer Center surrounded by her family. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, she was a daughter of Ira and Carla Silverman. She was a resident of Lakeland for 5 years, previously
living in Rumford, RI for 30 years. Known for her love of running, and service to others, she was a friend to all. She loved watching nature from her porch, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. Sherry leaves a son, Robert Mitchell Royall of Raleigh, NC, her parents Carla and Ira Silverman of Harrisburg, PA, a sister Susan Miller and her husband Chris Miller of Chelmsford, MA, and 2 nieces, Rebecca Miller of Somerville, MA and Deborah Miller of Chelmsford, MA. She was the sister of the late Steven Silverman and Lisa Silverman, and a beloved wife of the late David Royall. Her family grieves her loss, but they take comfort knowing that Sherry and Dave are together again. There will be a private family graveside service at Swan Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sherry's favorite charity, the Ronald McDonald House, 45 Gay Street, Providence, RI 02905.
of Kibbutz Nir Eliyah for 50 years till her death. Besides her responsibilities as an active kibbutz member, her career as a SW spanned 50 years of work with many of Israel’s diverse populations and many years working with elderly Holocaust Survivors. Throughout the 50 years since her aliyah, Raisha maintained her connection to the Harrisburg Jewish Community of her birthvisiting as often as she could and in constant contact with friends and family. Raisha’s kibbutz home was point central for those
same friends, children of friends, and even grandchildren who visited Israel. A tour guide par excellence helping her guests to see Israel through her eyes producing future committed Zionists. She was always mindful that it was Harrisburg and her family that gave her the love of Judaism and the need to support a State for the Jewish people. Raisha touched many lives and will be sorely missed by them all. May her memory be for a blessing.
MELVIN VERGALES
Melvin Vergales, 95, of Richmond, passed away on Saturday, October 10, 2020. He is survived by his sons, Mark, Howard, and Andrew Vergales; grandchildren, Jeffrey (Brooke), Arielle, Elana (Buddy), Ellen (Brandon), Adam; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Ethan, Isobel, Aiden, and Tess. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rhoda Vergales; parents, Abraham and Esther Vergales. A graveside service for Melvin was held on Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at Greenwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either Beth Shalom Home, 1600 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond, Va. 23238 or Holocaust Museum of Richmond, 2000 E. Cary St., Richmond, Va. 23223.
RAISHA SILBERMAN WEINTRAUB
Raisha Silberman Weintraub passed away on Oct. 10, 2020 at her home in Kibbutz Nir Eliyahu, Israel. Born in Harrisburg in 1941 she was the daughter of Edna and Ben Silberman. Raisha was predeceased by her husband, Froika. Surviving are her beloved children and in-law children- Amos and Adi, Dichla and Leo, Teilah and her 6 beautiful grandchildren all of Israel, her brother Henry and sister-inlaw Jackye formerly of Harrisburg, 2 nephews, and many cousins and other close family members. Raisha attended the Yeshiva Academy and William Penn High school. She graduated from Pitt and earned her Master’s degree in SW from Columbia University. In 1970, Raisha made aliyah, met and married Froika Weintraub and was a member
www.jewishharrisburg.org
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NOVEMBER 6, 2020 | 11
Welcome Back! JCC Current Hours (as of 10/30) Fitness Center
Indoor Pool
Monday - Thursday 6am - 7pm Friday 6am - 6pm Saturday - Sunday 8am - 2pm
Monday - Thursday 6am - 2pm & 4pm - 7pm Friday 6am - 2pm Saturday - Sunday 8am - 1:30pm
Facilities Available & Open to Members* Basketball Gym | Fitness Center | Indoor Pool | Racquetball Court *online pre-registration required Classes in Session, in-person Dance with Alicia* | Pump it Up* | Tai Chi^ | Swim Lessons^ Yoga* | Deep Water with Diana* *included in membership, online pre-registration required ^ call 717-236-9555 x 0 to register for a fee
More programming for youth and adults resuming all the time! Visit www.jewishharrisburg.org/WeAreOpen for more info on programs, policies, and procedures.